Any suggestions on Trans. fluids - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Austin85 · #1 03-07-2006, 09:39 AM

Going to try to change the fluid and filter on my 300D tranny today.
Anyone have suggestions for brand of T fluid for 85 300D's?

I was gonna look for Castrol.....
Also if I am just draining the pan and filter area , not a flush; Is it 4 quarts like Diesel Giant suggests or other????

Pete Burton · #2 03-07-2006, 09:50 AM

You'll drain less than 4 quarts from pan only, maybe closer to 2. The question is, why would you do it that way?? I wouldn't do it at all unless you are going to drain the converter too, otherwise you are sort of wasting your time. You wouldn't drain off 2 quarts of motor oil change the filter and then top it off, would you? A decent Dextron 3 type of fluid is all you need. Much more important to change all the fluid than change some with more expensive fluid, IMHO.

willrev · #3 03-07-2006, 10:06 AM

Pete is right. Drain the converter too.

If you want a top notch brand of fluid I would go with the LE or Lubrication Engineers. My MB parts dealer sells it. It is all my MB dealership will put in rear end differentials. It is the best basestock oil you can get. 7-8qts will cost you about $70.

This is the only fluid they will put in the multi million dollar earth moving equipment. It holds up better than any out there.
I think their website is http://www.le-inc.com/
Call them to see which fluid they say for your car if you are interested.
Nice folks out of Texas.

My local Corvette shop sells it. It is all they will use in their custom cars.

JimmyL · #4 03-07-2006, 10:26 AM

Look, if you are going to go through the trouble of removing the 4 or six bolts for the tranny pan, why not remove one more allen screw and drain the torque converter? (no need to answer, as there is NO good answer

)

Also, I strongly recommend Royal Purple for your tranny. (rear end and engine for that matter) I have used it in the past, and have buddies that use it on alot of things. That is what my tranny and rearend will get when the time comes.

Wasuchi · #5 03-07-2006, 10:40 AM

If you want to use the best use some sort of synthetic, Amsoil, Mobil, Castrol, RP, etc. Otherwise just use any good ATF that meets requirements.

Austin85 · #6 03-07-2006, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

Look, if you are going to go through the trouble of removing the 4 or six bolts for the tranny pan, why not remove one more allen screw and drain the torque converter? (no need to answer, as there is NO good answer

)

Also, I strongly recommend Royal Purple for your tranny. (rear end and engine for that matter) I have used it in the past, and have buddies that use it on alot of things. That is what my tranny and rearend will get when the time comes.

Wow...Thanks. This is sort of like "what motor oil should I use thread...".

JL; I have never done this job before and was following DieselGiants web site DIY's.....So don't even know what a torque converter looks like if it bit me, but am ok with the one more allen screw. Any description on how to drain this would be great!
Thx;
aa

SD Blue · #7 03-07-2006, 10:58 AM

[QUOTE=willrev]
If you want a top notch brand of fluid I would go with the LE or Lubrication Engineers. ...... It is the best basestock oil you can get. ..............
I think their website is http://www.le-inc.com/
Call them to see which fluid they say for your car if you are interested.
Nice folks out of Texas.
[/QUOTE

I wonder if they have any at the office?

Their offices are within walking distance. Maybe I can get a "local" discount.

JimmyL · #8 03-07-2006, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Austin85

Wow...Thanks. This is sort of like "what motor oil should I use thread...".

JL; I have never done this job before and was following DieselGiants web site DIY's.....So don't even know what a torque converter looks like if it bit me, but am ok with the one more allen screw. Any description on how to drain this would be great!
Thx;
aa

Good grief, I guess the last thing any of us want is another oil thread of any kind! Any synthetic should be fine really.
I will look for pics of the torque converter allen screw, as I know the pics live here somewhere. someone may have it bookmarked and beat me to it as I'm heading out for the day.

boneheaddoctor · #9 03-07-2006, 01:27 PM

I run Mobil 1 synthetic.....but any good brand name should do you.

Austin85 · #10 03-07-2006, 07:49 PM

Ok kicking this back up to the top for any advice on draining "all" the tranny fluid, or at least the torque converter....
AA

biopete · #11 03-07-2006, 08:02 PM

Torque converter is in front of fluid pan on my 81 300D. Just did this last week. Look up in front of pan. See the opening in webbed like bell like housing like thing? Inside there is torque converter. You rotate engine and it rotates. Rotate clockwise ! little bit at time unitl see 5 mm allen head plug. in the opening. The opening is very conspicuously an access hole and is your best clue i think. Haynes manual has procedure and pics. I have pic on other computer wiill post later if get back to it.
.

Austin85 · #12 03-07-2006, 08:05 PM

Bpete;
Thanks, Pics would be a cool help.
btw...........how do I rotate my engine??....and how much fluid should I expect to get out of the t Converter??